Godsmack’s ‘Oracle’ opens at No. 1

Metal band sells 117,000 copies in debut week

Metal act Godsmack’s “Oracle” screams onto the U.S. album chart at No. 1 this week, leading a parade of new titles into the national top 10.

Massachusetts group’s Universal Republic set tallied 117,000 copies in its debut week, according to Nielsen SoundScan figures for the week ending May 9. It is the group’s third consecutive album to enter at the apex of the chart.

Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” (Capitol Nashville) maintains its position at No. 2, shifting a hearty 97,000 units for a 28% bounce.

Texas-based Christian rock band MercyMe bows at No. 3 with “The Generous Mr. Lovewell” (INO/Columbia). Collection shifted 88,000 in its opening frame — an all-time high for the group, which has been active since the mid-’90s.

Carole King and James Taylor’s “Live at the Troubadour” (Hear Music) arrives at No. 4 with 78,000 sold. Singer-songwriter duo cut the release at the West Hollywood club that was crucial in lifting their early solo careers.

Ironically, vets’ set bounces teen sensation Justin Bieber’s “My World 2.0” (Island) down a slot to No. 5. Collection moved 64,000, off 7% for the week.

Deftones’ first album in four years, “Diamond Eyes” (Warner Bros.), moves in at No. 6. Sacramento hard rock unit shifted 62,000 copies out of the box.

Siblings Martie Maguire and Emily Robison of the Dixie Chicks sweep in at No. 7 with “Court Yard Hounds” (Open Wide/Columbia), first release by duo’s eponymous side project. Album moved 61,000 in its first stanza.

AC/DC’s “Iron Man 2” soundtrack (Columbia) falls three slots to No. 8, despite solid sales of 55,000 (up 5%) and arrival of the new comic book vehicle on national screens.

Back after a five-year recording layoff, Toni Braxton reappears at No. 9 with her new “Pulse” (Atlantic). R&B/pop singer’s label bow racked up first-week sales of 54,000.